This is the introduction to what will be an ongoing personal chapter-by-chapter commentary on the Book of Mormon, starting with First Nephi. My emphasis will be on doctrinal and historical items, with citations provided to other sources and commentaries when used.

The article on First Nephi in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism calls it "the doctrinal and historical foundation for all of the Book of Mormon." All abbreviated references in the posts are to First Nephi, so 1:4 refers to 1 Nephi 1:4. References to the Book of Mormon and other Latter-day Saint scripture are sometimes linked to the online Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, or Pearl of Great Price at LDS.org. For convenience I will often quote the verse or verses being discussed (offset in blue font) as part of each entry. Finally, Bible citations are accompanied by a pop-up King James Version (KJV) text of the referenced verse or verses, courtesy of a Javascript application from the bible.logos.com site. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a similar application for citations to LDS scripture?

The views and comments on this site are entirely my own, of course. I am an active Latter-day Saint who went on a mission, was married in the Salt Lake Temple, and presently serves in various callings in the Church. I encourage readers to be active Latter-day Saints. I hope that visitors will give serious consideration to Mormon scripture and doctrine. I suggest that LDS doubters and dissenters work through their questions and issues without making a lot of noise. Any reader with questions or concerns is invited to email me for a discussion or for additional information on any topic.